Tesla's New Autopilot Issue Demands Attention from NHTSA

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【Summary】Tesla is under scrutiny from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) over its Autopilot system. The NHTSA has issued a "special order" to address concerns that Tesla's Autopilot allows drivers to operate their vehicles for extended periods without prompting them to keep their hands on the wheel. Tesla has been asked to respond to these concerns. This comes after a report about an Autopilot setting that allows drivers to keep their hands off the wheel for a long time.

FutureCar Staff Aug 29, 2023 11:17 PM PT

Tesla's New Autopilot Issue Demands Attention from NHTSA

Tesla Inc. is currently under increased scrutiny from federal regulators regarding its driver-assistance system, Autopilot. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a "special order" to Tesla, expressing concerns about a potential workaround that allows drivers to operate their vehicles without prompting them to keep their hands on the steering wheel.

In a letter dated July 26 and posted on the NHTSA's website on August 29, the agency requested Tesla to respond by August 25, addressing the possibility of this feature being used to undermine efforts to keep drivers alert and ready to take full control of the vehicle. Tesla submitted a confidential reply within the given deadline.

The NHTSA's letter was prompted by a June CNBC report about an Autopilot setting that enables drivers to keep their hands off the wheel for an extended period, which has been referred to as "Elon mode" by an online security researcher. Tesla's website emphasizes that the Autopilot software is intended for use with a fully attentive driver who is prepared to take over at any moment.

The Autopilot probe, initiated by the NHTSA in 2021, is part of a series of investigations targeting Tesla, its products, and its CEO, Elon Musk. Federal regulators are examining potential issues with Tesla's seat belts, steering wheels, and driver-assistance features.

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